MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Mason County Post) — A longtime local barbecue vendor says it has been excluded from this year’s Maysville Pig Out after what the owner describes as false accusations from other participants, prompting a public defense on social media and a measured response from festival organizers.
G.G. Lofton, owner of Ripley’s Dinner Bell in Ripley, Ohio, posted a detailed statement Monday, August 3, on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The business, previously known as Mayslick Dinner Bell before relocating across the river, has participated in past Pig Out events and is known for southern comfort food and barbecue.
Lofton said the exclusion followed claims that the booth dumped grease on the ground, took property from a neighboring cooker, caused a tree to catch fire, and left a grill and gas unattended. The owner strongly denied each allegation.
“First and foremost I would never dump grease on the ground,” Lofton wrote. “I’m not trying to give them folks any excuse to say anything to me about how I didn’t clean my area. I even took a broom with me and swept up after we left.” City workers offered a sweeper truck, the post noted, but the crew finished cleaning the area themselves. Grease was drained and taken to proper disposal, Lofton added, emphasizing that the business has operated too long to make such a basic mistake.
On the property claim, Lofton called the idea “really funny” and questioned why anyone would consider it. The post suggested the real issue may have been that Ripley’s Dinner Bell maintained a steady line of customers while other booths did not.
Regarding a reported tree fire, Lofton said it was “utterly impossible.” The operation uses a wood smoking box built onto the smoker with no open flames that could ignite a tree. On the allegation of leaving equipment unattended, the post stated that Ripley’s Dinner Bell and one other booth were the only vendors that stayed overnight cooking. The two watched each other’s setups when one briefly left. When the owner stepped away, the gas to the smoker was turned off—“common sense,” the statement said.
Lofton also referenced an incident involving a grown adult acting out in front of the booth. Authorities were called and handled the situation; the vendor could not control another person’s behavior, the post noted.
“I’m sorry that I kept a line wrapped around the pig out all day long. I’m sorry that we stayed busy — that’s what happens when you have good food,” the statement continued. “But don’t make up excuses on why I’m not invited especially when they are false.”
The decision came as a surprise, Lofton said, after the restaurant had to email the event coordinator to inquire about registration and received no prior notice of any exclusion.
Festival organizers respond
In a statement released on social media, the Pigout in Maysville, Inc. Board of Directors addressed the discussion without naming specific participants.
The board emphasized that Pigout in Maysville is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the community together while raising funds for local children and organizations that serve youth. Early proceeds went solely to Shriners organizations. As the group evolved, the board expanded its charitable focus to local nonprofit children’s charities and community organizations so funds support families “in the area we call home.”
Full Public Statement
A Message from the Pigout in Maysville, Inc. Board of Directors:
“As we prepare for another year of Pigout in Maysville, we want to take a moment to address the recent discussion on social media regarding this year’s event.
Pigout in Maysville, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing our community together while raising funds to support local children and organizations that serve the needs of youth in our area.
When Pigout in Maysville began, proceeds from the event were donated solely to Shriners organizations. We are grateful for the important work Shriners provides to children and families. As our organization evolved, the Board made the decision to expand our charitable impact by directing proceeds toward local nonprofit children’s charities and organizations within our own community. This shift allows funds raised through Pigout in Maysville to directly support children and families in the area we call home.
Through the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, competitors, and attendees, Pigout in Maysville, Inc. has donated $66,260 since 2023 to local children’s charities and organizations. Every dollar raised represents the incredible generosity and commitment of our community.
Recently, proceeds from Pigout in Maysville, Inc. were provided to the following local organizations:
* Tri County Shriners
* A League of Their Own
* Venture Productions
* Miracle Field of Buffalo Trace
* CASA
* Sprinkles of Hope
* Mason County Search and Rescue
* Lighthouse Farm
* Mason County Food Pantry
* Maysville Hands of Hope
* Imagine Foundation
These contributions help support children, families, and community programs through services and resources that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
The Board of Directors has a responsibility to ensure the event is safe, well-managed, and conducted in accordance with our established rules and our agreements with the City of Maysville. Decisions regarding participation are made carefully and thoughtfully, with consideration given to the safety of our attendees, volunteers, competitors, community partners, and the long-term success of the event and its charitable mission.
While we understand there may be questions regarding individual decisions, we will not discuss or debate specific participant matters publicly out of respect for everyone involved.
Our focus remains on what has always been at the heart of Pigout in Maysville, Inc.-
bringing people together, celebrating great barbecue, and making a positive difference in the lives of local children.
We sincerely thank our sponsors, competitors, volunteers, the City of Maysville, and our community for their continued support. We look forward to another successful event and another opportunity to give back to the children of our community.” — Pigout in Maysville, Inc.
“The Board of Directors has a responsibility to ensure the event is safe, well-managed, and conducted in accordance with our established rules and our agreements with the City of Maysville,” the statement said. “Decisions regarding participation are made carefully and thoughtfully, with consideration given to the safety of our attendees, volunteers, competitors, community partners, and the long-term success of the event and its charitable mission.
“While we understand there may be questions regarding individual decisions, we will not discuss or debate specific participant matters publicly out of respect for everyone involved.”
The board said its focus remains on bringing people together, celebrating barbecue, and making a positive difference for local children. It thanked sponsors, competitors, volunteers, the City of Maysville, and the community for their support.
About the event
The annual Maysville Pig Out is a two-day downtown festival featuring a barbecue competition, food and craft vendors, live music, children’s activities, and other entertainment. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations that work with special-needs children and adults. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lewis and Clark Pavilion area along East McDonald Parkway.